Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with the Aga Khan

Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with the Aga Khan at 24 Sussex Drive.  PMO photo by Deb Ransom
Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with the Aga Khan at 24 Sussex Drive.
PMO photo by Deb Ransom

PRIME Minister Stephen Harper on Tuesday held a meeting with the Aga Khan, who was visiting Ottawa in his capacity as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili community.

During the meeting, Harper once again expressed his deepest condolences to the Aga Khan for the cowardly terrorist attack that took place earlier this month in Pakistan targeting Ismaili Muslims, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The two leaders discussed the threat posed by violent extremists and their persecution and murder of religious and ethnic minorities. They also spoke about efforts to increase support for international development around the world, including improving maternal, newborn and child health.

Harper reiterated Canada’s commitment to continuing to work with the Aga Khan on areas of mutual interest, including through partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

“It was an honour to once again welcome His Highness the Aga Khan to Canada and to renew our longstanding friendship. We both deplore the atrocities being perpetrated by violent extremists against religious and cultural minorities. Canada, along with its allies, will continue to actively support and defend human rights and freedom from persecution,” said Harper.